Can Physical Activity Reduce the Use of ADHD Medication?

It is no secret that the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or ADD(attention deficit disorder) is increasing. In 2011, 11% of children in the United States had been diagnosed with it, a 3% increase from 7.8% in 2003. With this increasing rate of children being diagnosed, the rate of children taking ADHD medication is unfortunately also increasing. Because of this, researchers are seeking alternatives to treat ADHD/ ADD rather than to prescribe ADHD medication to children.

A recent study found that regular thirty-minute sessions of aerobic activity before school help young children that had ADHD. The children became more attentive and less moody.

The study involved 202 students in Vermont and Indiana and noted that some doctors who specialize in treating children diagnosed with ADHD say they often incorporate exercise in the therapy. Many teachers have also started getting students up from their desks for short bursts of physical activity, finding it helps them pay attention to their studies. The study also found that physical activity can also helps both students who had ADHD as well as students who do not have ADHD.